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Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand

Open Air Musical Evenings

In the heart of the Plains of Abraham, a stone’s throw from Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, rediscover the magnificent stage of the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand.

A standout program of free shows is presented every summer, from Thursday to Sunday. It’s a one-of-a-kind setting in the heart of nature where you will discover and enjoy well-known artists and tomorrow’s headliners. Whether you come out for blues, folk, pop, or world music, these concerts will sure inject a little extra sunshine into your summer.

2020 Program

The weekly schedule will also be available by phone with the infoline: 418-648-4050.

Because it is in our nature

Through environmental concern, the National Battlefields Commission is taking an even greener turn and won't print the program leaflet anymore. We invite you to consult the program online. Naturally, for the first national historic park in Canada!

Edwin Bélanger (1910 - 2005)

"Musicians may come and go, but the music remains…"

Inaugurated in 1993, this musical bandstand, which comes alive during the summer, was named after a distinguished personality who greatly contributed to the growth of Québec City’s musical scene: Captain Edwin Bélanger.

A violinist, viola player, conductor, arranger, composer and teacher, this Montmagny native was one of the founders of the Cercle Philharmonique de Québec, an institution he brilliantly directed for seven years. For nine years he also held the reins of the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, brightening its repertoire with variety and boldness. It was also during this mandate that this inspired man with a heart of gold set up the Matinées symphoniques de l'OSQ, to arouse in children a taste for the magic of music. His 24-year involvement in La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment helped publicize the pieces played by this regiment throughout the world. He was also president of the Association des musicians de Québec.

After enjoying a long-standing, rewarding career, Mr. Bélanger passed away on January 14, 2005, at the age of 94. Many musicians and music lovers will treasure lasting memories of this great man who left his mark on Québec City’s musical and cultural landscape.

Frequentely Asked Questions

Are shows cancelled when it rains?Shows will take place rain or shine. They are cancelled only as a last resort when weather conditions constitute a threat to the artist and public. We are not able to relocate or postpone shows. When possible, we will announce the cancellation on the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand Facebook page. Please note that we could make the decision at the last minute to put all the chances on our side.

Can I park near the Edwin-Bélanger Banstand?On show nights, parking is available for $9 near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. Our parking attendant will be waiting for you at the green tent from 5 p.m. Take the Wolfe-Montcalm Avenue opposite the Musée National des beaux-arts du Québec and head for the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand.

How much are the shows?Shows at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand are free.

Are there bathroom facilities on site?Bathrooms are available at the Pavilion, near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand.

What time are the shows?Shows begin at 8 p.m.

Where is the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand?The Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand is located on the Plains of Abraham in Québec City, a stone's throw from Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. You can see its location on the park's map.

Where can I find this summer's program?The 2019 program is available in the Calendar 2019 tab.

Can I bring a chair?Yes, absolutely. You can bring chairs and blankets to comfortably enjoy the show.

Can I arrive early for a picnic?What a great idea! You are more than welcome to arrive early and enjoy the Plains of Abraham before the show. If you come by car, please note that the parking lot near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand opens at 5 p.m. Other parking options on the park are also available.

Can I eat on site?Of course! You can bring a picnic or buy some delicious sandwiches, salads and other snacks at Fastoche!. On show days, Fastoche! is open until 9 p.m. at the Pavilion near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand.

Favorite Show Award

The National Battlefields Commission asked you to choose the winner of the 2019 Favorite Show award and Domique Hudson got your vote. Congratulations!

Pavilion

You will find the pavilion near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. This is a friendly rest area where you can have coffee or ice cream among friends. The pavilion houses various services that can help make your visit as enjoyable as it can be.

Come and have a snack with fastoche! that offers a socially responsible high-end sandwich bar for quick, perfect while waiting for a show at the Bandstand!

Please take note that swimming is prohibited in the Centennial Fountain, adjacent to the Pavilion, even for pets.

Schedule: Open dailyMid-June to September 1st: from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (or after the show is over)September 2 to mid-June: from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Parking

On show evenings you can either walk, take a bus, car pool or for $9, park your vehicle near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. Our parking attendant will be waiting for you at the green tent from 5:00 p.m. every day. Take the Wolfe-Montcalm Avenue opposite the Musée National des beaux-arts du Québec and head for the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand.

When you use this service, your contribution allows the National Battlefields Commission to continue offering high-quality entertainment free of charge.

Notice about show cancellations

The National Battlefields Commission would like to remind the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand enthusiasts that the shows can only be cancelled if the weather poses a threat to the artists or the spectators. Such a decision will be taken during the evening, at the time the show would be scheduled to begin, to give Mother Nature a fighting chance to cooperate.

The Commission makes a point to present quality entertainment according to the schedule, and cannot postpone a cancelled show, nor host it elsewhere.

Artist Applications

Artists interested in performing for next season of the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand are encouraged to submit their applications with the following, as applicable:

Name of the artist or group

Number of people in the group at the time of the show and each person’s role

Musical style

Bio and press kit

Music recordings

Website of the artist or group

Full contact information for the group leader (artist, agent, or other)